The possession of an additional phone number or even a free communication application is no longer a privilege nowadays in the digital era, but it is a necessity in many cases. It doesn’t matter whether you are just trying to preserve your privacy, separate work and personal life, or just trying to spend less on international calls, it is important to find the right app. Although TextNow has also been a favorite over the years, it is not the only one.
This is a complete guide, and we are going to identify the best TextNow alternatives in 2025 to ensure you identify an excellent solution to your communication requirements.
What Is TextNow?
TextNow is a no-cost Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) application, which gives its clients an actual telephone number that they can use to communicate via text messages and telephonic calls via Wi-Fi or mobile data. It was released in 2009 and since that time it has gained popularity as one of the most extensively used free communication applications, which is considered to replace traditional cell services. The platform is by providing users with a real North American phone number that one can use to make calls and place texts as well as voicemail without a cellular subscription.
Key Features
- Real Phone Number: To contact the customer in a real way it has real US/Canada phone numbers with available area codes.
- Unlimited Calling & Texting: Calls and texts to all US and Canadian numbers are free, both on Wi-Fi and data.
- Voice mail Service: It has customizable voicemail greetings and user-friendly voicemail message management.
- Cross-Platform Access: Multi-platform connectivity (Android and iOs) and web browsers.
- International Calling: Provides deals with per-minute charges afor ccessing international destinations located outside of North America.
Limitations & Issues
- Advertisements that are intrusive: Free version has frequent advertisements with disturbance to the user experience in the middle of the calls.
- Poor Quality in Sets of Call: There is a good variation in the quality of voice which varies with the stability and speed of the internet connection.
- Little Number Availability: The number of offers is restricted to just US and Canadian numbers with no option of international people acquiring local numbers.
- Number Recycling: Numbers that are not used are recycled and re-assigned and you are likely to lose the number in case of prolonged inactivity.
- Verification Restrictions: TextNow numbers are blocked by several online services when attempting to verify an account and do two-factor authentication.
What to Look for in a TextNow Alternative
The best alternatives to TextNow are those where the following critical factors are taken into account when defining the search:
- Number Availability: Does the app include displayed real phone numbers, and of which countries or regions?
- Call Quality: Seek reputable, good-voice and video calling of different types of internet connections.
- Privacy Features: Think about such apps as the ones with encryption and anonymous numbering, as well as powerful data protection regulations.
- Platform Compatibility: Make sure that the service is available in your devices- Android, iphone, PC, or tablet.
- Cost Structure: The cost should be evaluated on the balance between free features to premium upgrades, to determine the best value.
Types of TextNow Alternatives
The various categories can be used to understand which solution is appropriate:
- Free Text and Call Apps: A series of services that include a service feature such as simple communications with no subscription charges and are usually sponsored by adverts.
- Applications, which contain real phone numbers: Websites that give valid phone numbers to send and receive SMS and use in the workplace.
- International & Wi-Fi Calling Apps: Solutions planned to assist in making cheap international calls and doing work mostly via the internet connections.
- User-Friendly Desktops: You will find apps that have strong desktop interfaces that allow users to operate communications with their computers.
Comparison Table: TextNow vs Top Alternatives
|
Name |
Free Version |
Ads |
International Calls |
Platforms |
Best For |
|
TextNow |
Yes |
Yes |
Paid |
Android, iOS, Web |
Basic free calling |
|
TextFree |
Yes |
Yes |
Paid |
Android, iOS |
Ad-supported texting |
|
Google Voice |
Yes |
No |
Paid (affordable) |
Android, iOS, Web |
Integration features |
|
Talkatone |
Yes |
Yes |
Paid |
Android, iOS |
Free calling |
|
Skype |
Yes |
No |
Paid |
All platforms |
Video calling |
|
|
Yes |
No |
Free |
Android, iOS, Desktop |
Messaging globally |
|
Dingtone |
Yes |
Yes |
Paid (cheap) |
Android, iOS |
International calling |
|
Sideline |
Limited |
No |
Paid |
iOS, Android |
Business use |
|
TextMe Up |
Yes |
Yes |
Paid |
iOS, Android |
Multiple numbers |
|
2ndLine |
Limited |
No |
Paid |
Android, iOS |
Second line |
|
Hushed |
Trial only |
No |
Yes |
iOS, Android |
Privacy |
|
Telegram |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
All platforms |
Security |
Top 12 TextNow Alternatives in 2025
1. TextFree
- Website: https://www.textfree.us
- Best For: People with limited funds
One of the most popular Android settings that can be proposed as substitutes to use TextNow is the so-called TextFree, which is a fully free service related to texting and calling. Since 2009, it offers users an actual US phone number, which operates on Wi-Fi or cell network data. The application makes use of advertisements to raise money, and this enables it to provide unlimited texting and calling service in the US and Canada without charging any subscription fees. TextFree is a communication tool that is inclusive, as it helps to support picture messaging, group text, and voicemail.
Key Features:
- Authentic assignment of US phone numbers.
- Unlimiting free messages and telephone calls.
- Works over Wi-Fi or data
Pros:
- Free basic service of complete availability.
- Easy and user-friendly interface.
- Trustworthy distributive system of messages.
Cons:
- Adverts may be very obtrusive.
- There is no international calling with limits on free calls.
- The quality of calls depends on connection.
Pricing: Free with ads; Premium starts at $6.99/month for ad removal and enhanced features.
2. Talkatone
- Website: https://www.talkatone.com
- Best For: Those that have features of calling.
Talkatone is one of the best TextNow alternatives due to its impressive list of features that are provided in the free version. It is a VoIP which gives users an authentic US phone number that allows making unlimited calls and text in all parts of North America. The peculiarity of Talkatone is that it is compatible with the majority of social media tools and that the free calling credits could be gained by watching videos or doing offers. The application facilitates HD voice calling in cases where both parties have access to the service and it also provides visual voicemail which will have transcription.
Key Features:
- Get credits with in-app activities.
- HD voice quality in presence.
- Integration capacities on social media.
Pros:
- Comprehensive free unpaid services.
- Various options of obtaining credits.
- Themes and customizable interface.
Cons:
- Needs to watch advertisements to get credits.
- Connection addiction to the internet influences dependability.
- Premium locked characteristics.
Pricing: Free with ads; Premium plans from $3.99/month remove ads and add international calling.
3. Dingtone
- Website: https://www.dingtone.me
- Best For:International communication.
Dingtone proves to be among the most popular alternatives of TextNow that can be used by people making regular international calls. The application is a versatile VoIP application and provides free phone numbers across different countries including the US, Canada and the UK and can hence be used by international users or those who have to keep contact with others across the border. The credit system of Dingtone enables their users to gain free calling time by viewing ads, adding friends, or doing tasks in the app. The application also allows handling multiple phone numbers on one handset and this is especially handy to the users who have to handle various levels of their personal and professional worlds.
Key Features:
- Several foreign figures on one account.
- Instant communication by walkie-talkie.
- Low prices of international calls.
Pros:
- International rates very competitive.
- Handheld numbers on multiple devices.
- Free credits by use of different activities.
Cons:
- from time to time interface can become cluttered.
- There should be active involvement in credit system.
- Internet connection is required with some of the features.
Pricing: Free with credits system; Premium plans start at $4.99/month with unlimited calling and no ads.
4. 2ndLine
- Website: https://www.2ndline.co
- Best For: Professional separation
2ndLine is selected to target the customers who want TextNow alternatives with the focus on having individual personal and business phone lines on one phone device. This application offers a true second phone number with its own text messaging and calling center, including its own notifications and address book. Entrepreneurs, freelancers, and other professionals that need to have easy lines drawn between work and personal communications are among the users of this service who prefer to have customizable business hours, auto-reply, and professional voicemail greetings to project a good image.
Key Features:
- Specific second line, notifications.
- Auto-reply and business hours.
- Individual organization contact lists.
Pros:
- Available, clean professional interface design.
- Good in terms of work-life separation.
- Transfer of video and audio calls and text messages.
Cons:
- Minimal freer trial period solely.
- Subscription is necessary in order to remain available.
- Higher quality prices than others.
Pricing: 3-day free trial; Subscription plans from $9.99/month or $99.99/year for unlimited service.
5. Google Voice
- Website: https://voice.google.com
- Best For: Ecosystem integration
Google voice is one of the most refined and stable alternatives to TextNow that can be used by those who have already committed to the Google platform. The service offers a free US phone number that is well integrated with Gmail, Google Calendar and other Google apps, which gives one a unified communication experience. Google Voice does not offer advertisements like most of its rivals and the call quality and dependability is outstanding. The platform is a masterpiece when it comes to screening calls and blocking spam, and its advanced algorithms deny access to the users unwanted calls and robocalls.
Key Features:
- Pristine integration with Google services.
- High technology spam blocking and filtering.
- Cross-gadget synchronization comprised.
Pros:
- Advertisement-free and completely free.
- High quality and facilitation of calls.
- Intense spam guard capabilities.
Cons:
- Only available US phone numbers.
- Needs access to Google account.
- Unavailable in every country.
Pricing: US calling/texting is free; other international rates are charged at reasonable per-minute charges.
6. TextMe Up
- Website: https://www.textmeup.com
- Best For: Multiple numbers
TextMe Up is one of the alternatives of TextNow that enables its users to have and manage a number of phone numbers in other countries in the same application. This is the key benefit of it as it is essential to international travelers, expats, or any particular individual who may have ties in different regions. The app offers users free phone numbers where they can text and call with unlimited services and can be backed up by a credit system which can be replenished by either watching advertisements or paying in-app purchases. TextMe up is available with rich media messaging, which comprises photos, videos, and voice messages, which makes discussions more interactive and expressive.
Key Features:
- Several figures of various nations.
- Supporters of rich media messaging were provided.
- Group calling and group chat.
Pros:
- The availability of international numbers is good.
- Bendable credit structuring to be used.
- Contemporary sensual interface design.
Cons:
- Free version advertisements are displayed.
- The drain of credit should be replenished on a regular basis.
- Other regions are scarce in supply.
Pricing: Free with ads and credits; Premium plans from $9.99/month offer unlimited calling and ad removal.
7. Sideline
- Website: https://www.sideline.com
- Best For: Business professionalism
Sideline is created with the specific needs of business users who want TextNow alternatives with professional options and dependability. This service offers a second phone that serves your main number which enables you to have separate business communication, which does not need another phone. Sideline also has such advanced features as auto-replies, custom voicemail greetings, as well as scheduled messaging these features can be used to keep businesses on a high standard of professional communication. The application also supports team numbers, where multiple users can have one business line, which can be very handy especially in small business or teams in the customer care.
Key Features:
- Shared access to teams.
- Available features are Auto-reply and scheduling.
- Customization of professional voice message.
Pros:
- Very high business reliability.
- Professional functionality and interface were provided.
- Inbuilt team collaboration capabilities.
Cons:
- None of them have a free tier at the moment.
- Price differentiation with consumers.
- US and Canada numbers only
Pricing: 7-day free trial; Plans start at $9.99/month per line with business features included.
8. Hushed
- Website: https://hushed.com
- Best For: Privacy protection
Hushed is the best alternative of the TextNow in users who are interested in privacy and anonymity. The service enables users to generate temporary or permanent personal telephone numbers in more than 300 area codes in 40 plus countries, which makes it the best in circumstances where confidentiality is needed. However, unlike the majority of the free services, Huded does not show advertisements or sell user information, being highly-privacy standards, which attracts those people who value their privacy.
The app has the ability to accommodate more than one number with individually set expiry dates and one can open an account to generate disposable numbers to use in a specific activity, such as online dating, classified ads, or temporary projects.
Key Features:
- Personal data of 40 or more nations.
- Custom expiration numbers, disposable.
- No ads or data selling
Pros:
- Better privacy security strategies.
- The number availability is broad in the international context.
- None of the advertisements or tracking.
Cons:
- None of the free tiers are permanent.
- Has to buy credits or subscription.
- Privacy features are offered at a premium price.
Pricing: Numbers start at $1.99 for 3 days; Subscription plans from $4.99/month with various calling allocations.
9. Skype
- Website: https://www.skype.com
- Best For: Video communication
- Most suitable: Video communication.
Skype is also among the most recognized TextNow alternatives, especially among those that value video calling and calling overseas. The Microsoft flagship communication platform is not only the voice call the product also supports the high-quality video conferencing of up to 50 people, screen sharing, and instant messaging on all major platforms. Talking between Skype-to-Skype is entirely free irrespective of distance and it is therefore extremely wonderful in international connectivity without charging per minute.
Key Features:
- Group video calls are of high quality.
- Screen sharing and collaboration.
- Skype to skype calls are absolutely free.
Pros:
- Superior quality of video calls accessible.
- Plays on any device without problems.
- Good overseas representation and stability.
Cons:
- Needs the creation of an account to use.
- Mobile app can drain battery
- This involves using credits to make calls to non-skype numbers.
Pricing: Free for Skype-to-Skype; Skype Numbers from $6/month; International calling via credits or subscriptions.
10. WhatsApp Desktop
- Website: https://www.whatsapp.com
- Best For: Global messaging
WhatsApp Desktop is an expansion of one of the most popular messaging apps into computers in the world, which in effect makes it a strong competitor of TextNow among users who like using computers to communicate. WhatsApp has billions of users around the world, which gives it unparalleled coverage in terms of making international connections, and the entire process is freely done regardless of the distance.
The service offers end-to-end encryption in all messages, calls and shared media, with privacy and security being guaranteed. WhatsApp Desktop is a reflection of your mobile Conversation, and other devices can easily switch them without losing any of their conversation history and contacts. The platform is capable of voice and video calls, group chat, containing 1024 members, and file sharing up to 2GB.
Key Features:
- All communications will have end-to-end encryption.
- Mobile and desktop synchronized.
- Local call to free international contacts.
Pros:
- Advert-free and completely free.
- Huge world wide following at our disposal.
- High-security and privacy functions.
Cons:
- Needs smartphone at first set-up.
- Not a separate phone number
- Intermittently, phone connection is a requirement of desktop.
Pricing: Free and no premium.
11. Telegram Web
- Website: https://telegram.org
- Best For: Security-focused messaging
Indeed, Telegram Web is one of the most reliable messaging apps to desktop browsers and provides the seekers of TextNow alternatives with a privacy-friendly communication tool. Being associated with optional encrypted end-to-end communication emails called Secret Chats and self-destructing messages, Telegram is popular among those who consider digital privacy seriously.
The site allows huge group conversations (maximum to 200,000 members), broadcasting channels that can reach large groups of people, and message storage that can be stored in the cloud and interface with any device to work flawlessly. The desktop version of Telegram is efficient and well-organized, as it allows sending files up to 2GB, voice and video calls, as well as has a rich ecosystem of bots that allow greatly expanding the telegram beyond simple messaging.
Key Features:
- End-to-end encryption secret chats.
- Message synchronization across devices on the cloud.
- Massive file sharing up to 2GB
Pros:
- Better security and privacy solutions.
- No advertisements and data selling.
- Far-reaching set feature free.
Cons:
- Not optimized to make ordinary calls.
- The process of initial smartphone settings is required.
- Limited number of users compared to the competitors.
Pricing: Completely free; Premium subscription ($4.99/month) adds enhanced features but isn’t required.
12. Discord
- Website: https://discord.com
- Best For: Community communication
Discord formerly started as a gaming-oriented platform without assuming any other functions other than communication through TextNow. Discord is an broadcasting system that, though it does not have conventional phone numbers, is very effective in voice calls, video conferencing, and text messaging inter-server and in direct message form.
The platform allows crystal-clear voice channels that can accommodate unlimited people with locations such as screen sharing, Go Live streaming, and stage channels where a bigger presentation can be made. The desktop and mobile applications of Discord are synchronized in a way that any user can switch between the desktop and mobile applications without disturbing a chat.
Key Features:
- Infinite voice and video communication.
- Tools of community organization of a server nature.
- Streaming and screen sharing functions.
Pros:
- Utterly free with generous characteristics.
- Good voice and video quality.
- Well-developed community and group characteristics.
Cons:
- None of the traditional phone numbers is offered.
- Learning curve for new users
- Mainly community-oriented, rather than calls to individuals.
Pricing: Free with full features; Nitro subscription ($9.99/month) adds cosmetic upgrades and enhanced streaming quality.
How to Choose the Right TextNow Alternative
Choosing among several alternatives of the TextNow, it is necessary to analyze your personal needs:
- Choosing among : several alternatives of TextNow, it is necessary to analyze your personal needs:
- Choose Your Main Use Case: Are you in need of business features, privacy, international communication, or just free basic communication?
- Take into Account Preferences on the Platform: Select the applications you can access on all devices frequented by you on a routine basis, such as the phone, tablet, and desktop.
- Consider Cost vs. Features: Compare free options with the need of premium functions that you really require as opposed to paying to have capabilities that you are not using.
- Quality of Test Calls: Test applications with trial or free versions to test how well you see and hear on your regular internet connections.
Safety & Privacy Tips for VoIP Apps
Prohibit your use of TextNow alternatives or any VoIP service, with the following precautions:
- Visit Privacy Policies: Learn what information is being collected, and how the data apps are using or sharing your information.
- Strong Passwords: Secure accounts with unique and complex passwords and activate two-factor authentication, where feasible.
- Avoid Sensitive Data: Do not submit banking information, passwords, and personal information that is very personal through free communication software.
- Regularly update things: Make sure that you update your apps regularly to get the most recent security patches and vulnerability fixes.
- Consider Encryption: First in the list will be services that provide end-to-end encryption of sensitive dialogues and secret correspondence.
Conclusion
Identifying the most suitable alternative to TextNow will be based on your individual communication requirements, budget and choices of the platform. In need of even greater privacy with Hushed, full integration with Google Voice, international calling with Dingtone or business-like options with Sideline, there is one that is just right. The environment of free and economical communication applications is on the constant changing, and it provides people with numerous options never seen before.
The alternatives each have their own strengths as this is because some have been successful in international calling, some are focused on privacy and many have free basic features that compete with their paid services. When you know what the various services that each service provides and the way that each services suits your needs, you can choose the best communication solution in 2025 and beyond. Also, in mind, always practice prioritizing security, test the call quality on your network, and do not be afraid to experiment with as many services as possible before determining what needs to be your new home.
FAQs
Are TextNow alternatives truly free?
Various alternatives to TextNow provide free basic services, during which they allow unlimited texting and calling, but they might have a lot of advertisements or restrict international calls. Premium functions are normally subscription-based.
Can I use TextNow alternatives for business verification?
There are services such as Google voice and Sideline, which give numbers that are accepted when verifying the business, and some others might be rejected by other sites. One must ensure that one checks the specific requirements prior to trusting a VoIP number.
Do these apps work without internet?
No TextNow alternatives need Wi-Fi or cellular data because they are based on VoIP technology. Certain applications, such as TextFree, also provide cellular backup for a subscription fee.
Are calls from TextNow alternatives traceable?
Yes, so, calls can be, as a rule, tracked down to the application provider and related account details. To have greater privacy, take into account such services as Hushed, which are oriented towards anonymity and the minimum possible amount of data collection.
Which TextNow alternative offers the best call quality?
Google voice and Skype are always rated highly when it comes to the quality of its calls and the app-based features merited by Talkatone and TextFree are equally rated with varying results depending upon your internet connection speed and stability.